A teacher at Emirates International School-Jumeirah (EIS-J) has been recognised by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), one of the world’s top universities. Mr. Wissam Yahya was selected to receive the ‘Inspirational Teacher Award’ from MIT.
David Hicks, High School Principal, Emirates International School-Jumeirah said, “It is a great honour and a vote of confidence to receive an honour like this from one of the world’s most prestigious universities.”
He added, “Mr. Yahya is well respected by both his students and his colleagues. He is a highly skilled educator, building knowledge step-by-step during his lessons.”
MIT students select teachers who have inspired them through dedicated and motivating teaching. Mr. Yahya was nominated by Nikhil Punwaney, an MIT high school student who graduated from EIS-J in 2013. In his nomination, Mr. Punwaney said that Mr. Yahya had inspired him in so many ways, “The way you live life, the way you love your job and don’t chase after money nor position, the interest you take in your students. I hope you know that you have had a major impact on all of our lives.”
MIT said in a note of thanks addressed to Mr. Yahya, “We are grateful to you for inspiring your brightest students to become our students. We would like to celebrate your excellence as an educator in several ways. We will work with your school and your student nominator to determine when the physical award might be delivered to you at an event.”
As part of the award Mr. Yahya is invited to access resources at MIT, including its on-line library, educational outreach and academic enrichment programs. MIT said it hopes that the resource will contribute to even greater success as an educator.
Mr. Yahya has been at Emirates International School-Jumeirah since 2006. He is a Chemistry Specialist that currently teaches grade 10-13 Chemistry. He is also a Grade 12 form tutor, IB Diploma Program Group.